AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11945, 14 July 1904, Page 5

AUSTRALIA.

United Press A-ioo-ation—.By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. IMPORTED MEAT. MELBOURNE, July 13. In the House, the Government asked whether the importation of chilled pork from America and New Zealand should not come under the heading "partially cured," and be subject, like bacon, to duty. Tlie Minister replied that there waa no evasion of duty. A WANT OF CONFIDENCE MOTION. ADELAIDE, July 13. As the result of a meeting of the Labour party, Mr Price gave notice of a motion of want of confidence in tho Government. This action does not appear to have been taken with the concurrence of the Liberal section, and probably the Government will win. If joint action is taken by both parties, then the Government is in a minority of three. NEW SOUTH WALES PRISONS REPORT. (Received July 13th, 11.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, July 13. Tlie report of the Comtptroller of Prisons is highly satisfactory. Tho gaol population haa considerably decreased during tho paft twenty years. The vast majority of prisoners have found themselves in gaol not so much as the result of offences committed, but because they had no money to payi fines. During the past five years over 40,000 people were sent to gaol in this way. In tlhe Comptroller's opinion, it would have been hette.r for the community if alternatives had hecn provided instead of so much gaoling. Drunkenness is responsible for a number of entries.' Tlie average cost per head is £3 12s 4d less than for the preceding year.